How to Make a Minor Chord: Move One Note

To make a minor chord, take the major chord with the same name and move its middle note one key down. One note changes, and the chord goes from bright to sad.

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No account, no download. The demo has limited content. Advanced features are in ChordRunner Premium.

MIDI keyboard
Digital or acoustic piano
Guitar
Computer, phone or tablet

Em E G B

One key down

E major is E, G#, B. Move G# one key down to G: E, G, B is E minor. The middle note is the third; lowering it is all that minor means.

E major: E G# B E G# B

E minor: E G B E G B

Try it on any chord

C (C E G) → Cm (C Eb G)
D (D F# A) → Dm (D F A)
G (G B D) → Gm (G Bb D)
A (A C# E) → Am (A C E)

How to Make a Minor Chord: Move One Note – ChordRunner

Practise it in a game

ChordRunner shows a chord name, you play it on a MIDI keyboard, a piano or a guitar through the microphone, and the game checks every note. Levels start with the chords on this page.

Play the demo

Why it sounds sad

In major, the middle note sits 4 keys above the root; in minor, 3. That one key smaller gap is the difference your ear hears as happy and sad. Play the two back and forth and listen. Then do it with your eyes closed and guess which one you just played.

On the guitar

Many guitar shapes show the same idea: E major to E minor lifts one finger, the one on the G string. A major to A minor moves one finger back one fret. One note changes, just like on the piano.

Common questions

How do you turn a major chord into a minor chord?

Lower the middle note (the third) by one key, the very next key down. C, E, G becomes C, Eb, G.

Why do minor chords sound sad?

Their third is one key closer to the root than in a major chord. That smaller gap gives the darker sound.

Can I check my chords with a MIDI keyboard or a microphone?

Yes. In ChordRunner a USB MIDI keyboard is detected automatically, and a piano or guitar works through the microphone. The game shows a chord name and checks the notes you play.

Is everything in the demo?

The demo has limited content. Advanced features are in ChordRunner Premium.

Your instrument is the controller.

ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.

Try the demo

How to Make a Minor Chord: Move One Note

One key down

Try it on any chord

Practise it in a game

Why it sounds sad

On the guitar

Common questions

How do you turn a major chord into a minor chord?

Why do minor chords sound sad?

Can I check my chords with a MIDI keyboard or a microphone?

Is everything in the demo?

Your instrument is the controller.

Keep learning

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Piano Chord Chart: Every Chord in All 12 Keys

What Is a Chord in Music? The Simple Answer

The Difference Between Chord and Harmony, Simply Explained

How to Learn Piano by Yourself, Step by Step

The Circle of Fifths, Explained by Playing